A Capitol Weekend

I had two gigs with the Java Jews this weekend; one at Beaverdale Park – as part of Jazz in July (free music every night in July) sponsored by the Metro Arts Alliance -  and one at the Des Moines Arts Center, as part of their multicultural event Art Inside Out. The weather was absolutely perfect, surprisingly cool for July, and the performances were fun and laid-back. I met a new friend, Bongo Barry (a.k.a. Barry Bernstein, who is a music therapist), and enjoyed some great art, and fantastic Thai food at King and I Thai Cuisine.

At the Arts Center, I enjoyed viewing an exhibition by Tara Donovan, who is a master at creating beautiful art out of everyday things like styrofoam cups, toothpicks and hot glue. She is featured here in the New York times slideshow and article “The Genius of Little Things.”